Meth-Carrying Mom Arrested Near San Clemente: Border Patrol

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — On Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a woman they say was transporting 28 bundles of methamphetamine while traveling with her six-year-old daughter.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, an agent patrolling northbound Interstate 5 near San Clemente conducted a vehicle stop on a 2003 Honda Accord.

The 38-year-old mother, who remains unnamed, pulled over, and gave the agent permission to search her sedan, at his request.

The officer's search resulted in an alert from his service K-9 officer.

Searching further, the agent discovered 28 bundles of meth inside the car’s gas tank. All 28 packages tested positive for methamphetamine, with a total weight of 28.88 pounds.

The woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was placed under arrest.

Both she and the narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Local child protective services took custody of the minor child.

The U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.